Honoring our Seniors and Welcoming our Future Knights!November 2, 2023Marching BandOctober 20, 2023 was a very memorable day … not only did we honor our Marching Band seniors, we also had a great time showing the 8th grade Spartans what it’s like to be a Marching Knight. After rehearsing, hanging out and having dinner together, the Spartans and the Knights took to the field to do what they do best … […]
…And the 2023 Competition Season Begins!October 18, 2023Marching BandEven though there was no academic instruction during the second week of Fall Break, the Marching Knights were on campus working diligently to prepare for their first 2023 competition. In addition to finalizing the last pieces of the show, the Marching Knights had the privilege of working with two esteemed clinicians; James “Hud” Hudson led a music/effect clinic, and Bill Humbert held a team building and leadership clinic.
The Marching Knights achieved stellar results on October 7th at the Pinnacle HS competition. Not only did they take first place in the 4A division with a score of 71.575, they won all five caption awards!
At the Mountain Ridge HS competition on October 14th, the Marching Knights scored 4 points higher than the previous week, with a total of 75.6. This is an amazing score increase in the span of only one week! The Marching Knights also won the Percussion caption award in their division (even though it was accidentally awarded to Campo Verde – ooops!)
It is so rewarding to witness that the unwaivering dedication of 2023 Marching Knights is yielding much-deserved recognition. They are on target to have a record-breaking competition season – please continue to show your support for these hard-working students! […]
The 2023 Marching Knights kick off the seasonJuly 24, 2023Marching BandThe 2023 Marching Knights were certainly hard at work well before the first day of school! Our percussionists and guard members began rehearsing in June, then were joined by their fellow instrumentalists during the week of July 10th. During their 70 hours together that week, the Marching Knights not only made incredible progress in learning their 2023 competitive show (and some of our favorite pep tunes), they also made some lasting memories.
The days were long and the heat was oppressive, but the Knights had some special things to keep them going… dinners from Portillo’s, Salerno’s, Raising Cane’s, and Texas Roadhouse … smoothies from Jamba Juice and Sno from Bahama Bucks … and a fun-filled evening of bowling at Bowlero in Mesa.
The conclusion of band camp week brought senior speeches, during which our 18 soon-to-be graduates shared some very entertaining and deeply heartfelt words. The Marching Knights then took to the field to perform for family and friends and proudly display their accomplishments from the week.
And the performing didn’t end there! The Marching Knights pumped up the HUSD staff as they entered the HCPA last Thursday morning for their back-to-school rally. The Marching Knights also showed the incoming freshmen true Higley spirit during their orientation pep rally on Friday.
The Marching Knights are off to a fantastic start of their 2023 season. Be sure to catch them in action at football games and competitions over the next few months. Go ahead … you know you want to shout it with them … YOU WISH YOU WERE A HIGLEY KNIGHT!!! […]
Spring FestivalsMarch 5, 2023Concert Bands / Jazz Band / OrchestraOur Band and Orchestra students participated in regional ABODA music festivals this past week. In addition to performing and ajudication, the students had the opportunity to work with specialized clinicians and hear performances from fellow high school ensembles.
On February 28, our Jazz Band performed at Paradise Valley Community College.
On March 3, our Orchestra, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble students performed at Highland High School.
The regional festivals not only provide performance experience and valuable feedback, they give our instrumentalists the opportunity to hang out with their favorite people … […]
The Higley Instrumental FamilyJanuary 22, 2023Concert Bands / OrchestraJanuary 17 and 18, 2023 were very special days within the Higley Instrumental Programs for a variety of reasons. 6th and 8th grade families got a peek at what the future holds for their student’s musical journey, while the HHS families were able to reflect upon the rewarding progress their students have made in recent years.
Tuesday’s concert began with the 6th grade band students from the Bridges, Centennial, Cortina, Power Ranch and San Tan Elementary schools joining together to perform a combined piece entitled Starsplitter Fanfare. This was followed by a lively performance of Afterburner from the 8th grade SMS Symphonic Band.
The HHS Wind Ensemble, the elite band on campus, then took the stage. After their performance of Rise of the Firebird, all the 6th and 8th grade students joined them to perform Shorewood Overture. For the Wind Ensemble members, this is a very poignant piece as most of them have previously performed the 6th grade and 8th grade parts during their years in the program.
On Wednesday evening, the Orchestra students showcased their talent. 6th grade Orchestra students from the Bridges, Centennial, Cortina, Power Ranch, and San Tan Elementary schools performed a combined piece entitled Dragonhunter, followed by the SMS Orchestra.
The HHS String Orchestra then took the stage to perform. Immediately following, all the 6th grade and 8th grade Orchestra students joined them to perform Electric Sinfonia.
Although the afternoon for all of these students was filled with group rehearsals, there was some fun downtime for socializing. Before each concert, the instrumentalists gathered for a pizza dinner in the cafeteria where they had the opportunity to chat with students from the other schools. Needless to say, we went through a lot of pizza!!! […]
You Wish You Were a Higley Knight …December 12, 2022Marching BandThe year 2022 was certainly history-making for the Higley Marching Knights! Under the leadership of Mr. Sharp and Mr. Cheatham, the Marching Knights had some pretty amazing experiences to say the least …
In May, the Knights proudly played a medly of patriotic music in the National Memorial Day Parade down Constitution Avenue in Washington DC. Among the many historical places they visited during their 5 days in DC was the grave of John Philip Sousa, “The March King.”
The Marching Knights performed a stellar show this year entitled The Quest to the Island of Gold. The latin-inspired music and stunning visual effect came together to produce a truly captivating performance.
The 2022 season closed with the Marching Knights performing at the AIA State Championship at ASU. The band was thrilled to be a part of the Higley Football team’s journey to victory this year – GO BIG BLUE!
Of course the Marching Knights experienced so much more during 2022 than just the above highlights. There was the formation of friendships and the growth of existing ones, the survival of the sweaty bug-infested rehearsals along with lightning/dust storms/torrential downpours, the run-through of a part “just one more time” (which really meant five), the building of section bonds (and the importance of section “babies”), and all those small yet meaningful moments which will stay with each Knight for years to come. Congratulations Marching Knights for a truly memorable year! […]
The Marching Knights Share in a CelebrationNovember 20, 2022Marching BandThis past Saturday, 21 Higley Marching Knights donned their uniforms in preparation of a very meaningful celebration. A local resident had requested that the Knights add a special surprise to her spouse’s milestone birthday. So with smiling faces and instruments in hand, these dedicated instrumentalists gathered outside the couple’s home to deliver their musical birthday wishes.
Due to their proximity to Higley High Stadium, the couple has enjoyed hearing the Marching Knights practice for the last several months. The Knights were honored to have the opportunity to perform for the community and help make this birthday celebration a little more magical. […]
Senior Night 2022November 19, 2022Marching BandSenior Night 2022 will be remembered as the quintessential magical evening – not only was the Higley football team victorious over Williams Field, we also honored our senior Marching Knights and their families. These seniors hold a very special place in Marching Knights history, serving as the leaders for our highest-scoring competition season to date.
Those outside the realm of marching band might not realize the unwaivering dedication of these performers and the countless hours of rehearsal necessary to produce their show each season. The talent, perserverance, and loyalty exhibited by each and every Marching Knight is truly a treasure to behold. Although their Quest to the Island of Gold is now complete, the memories from this extraordinary season will last forever.
Congratulations to all our senior Marching Knights and their amazing families who have supported them!
Elizabeth
Maraya
Amia
Vanessa
Braden
Destiny
Jonathan
Mary
Evelyn
Jaelin
Calyssa
Kaylee
Mason
Shay
Jocelyn
Brooklyn
Alexis […]
October ConcertOctober 30, 2022Concert Bands / OrchestraThe first concert of the 2022/23 school year was a SPOOK-TACULAR success! Led by George Jetson (aka Mr. Sharp) and a Hufflepuff (aka Mr. Cheatham), our Bands, Percussion Ensemble and Orchestra took us on a fantastic musical journey. And let’s just mention the costumes for a moment … from creepy skeletons and ghosts, cowboys and karate experts, a cow and a taco, to Mr. Potato Head, Thomas the Tank Engine, Mario and Ratatouille, the visual experience was as entertaining as the auditory.
The evening concluded with “Drawing Mars,” a spectacular collaboration of the Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. The piece was backed by a stunning electronic track which added an extra dimension to the performance. The students gifted their audience with a powerful experience that will not be soon forgotten.
Be sure not to miss our next concert on December 6, 2022. See you there! […]
First Performance of 2022September 9, 2022Marching BandThe Higley Marching Knights were set to make their exhibition season debut at a home game but not before a little preparation the night before and a minor delay due to mother nature prior to the game.
Thursday night saw for preparation of getting on and off the field. The Parent Volunteers (Knight Crew) joined the band as they worked through the sequence of getting the podiums and front ensemble in place while the rest of the band marched to their starting positions. A couple run throughs and clean ups were followed by preparation for getting off the field.
Friday night upon us, excitement was definitely in the air, especially for those freshman who were anxiously awaiting their first performance. Mother Nature had other plans. As storm clouds brewed, the band rehearsed inside keeping themselves and their instruments dry and dust free. The storm hit hard with a lot of dust and lightening. Unfortunately with every bolt came a restart of a 30 minute clock before the game could start.
After a moderate delay, the game started and the Knights made their way out to the field. Forgoing their uniforms due to the weather, the marched past the crowd and settled into their home just outside the north end zone. They supported the team playing the fight song and classic stand tunes, and then gave a wonderful first performance during the half time show. Congrats to all the freshman who made it through their first performance and to all the vets who took their first step towards making this a great season! […]
Band Camp 2022July 30, 2022Marching BandDue to everyone just getting back from Washington, DC, The 2022 Higley Marching Knight Band Camp was held at the school this year. The band members, directors, staff and parent volunteers still made it a memorable one.
Day 1 started off with a quick orientation and Ice Breaker. Both the first two days included morning sectionals where everyone got to know others in their section. Marching basics and a fun activity rounded out the evening. Day 2 brought the first Full Ensemble Rehearsal.
The morning of day 3 changed things up a bit as the band was able to view some DCI videos, learned how to read drill and came up with their Section Crests. After an afternoon of hard work, marching and playing for the first time, the band boarded buses and headed to a local trampoline park for some fun bonding time.
Days 4 and 5 had the band beginning to learn the drill for the opener of this year’s show “The Quest to the Island of Gold”. Day 5, the final day of band camp finished with a wonderful performance for friends and family to show off what the band had learned over the week. […]